Wedding Centerpieces Guide With Floral Tablescapes in Background | PartySlate
photographer: Mark Trela Photography | floral & design: Life In Bloom | venue: Galleria Marchetti
The Best of | Weddings

The Best Wedding Centerpieces [Guide]

Wedding Centerpieces Guide With Floral Tablescapes in Background | PartySlate

Wedding centerpieces transcend the role of simple table decorations. Indeed, they set the mood and tone of your wedding reception. Centerpieces evoke everything from your wedding style to your wedding color palette — taking your celebratory vision from dream to reality.  

Arguably, guests will spend most of the reception dining and dancing. With that in mind, it’s important to create an inviting space that encourages friends and family to linger over a delicious meal and indulge in conversation. 

Save countless hours scrolling through Pinterest. PartySlate is here to offer inspiration and guidance — with an up-close look at some of our favorite tablescape ideas to inspire your own nuptials. Best of all, our curated directories will point you to top local vendors that can bring your vision to life. It’s time to get inspired.

How to Choose Wedding Centerpieces

Three examples of wedding centerpiece ideas: Rustic with candle light and greenery, white anemones on dark blue linen, sunflowers accented by other bright blooms | PartySlate
from left to right: photographer: Izzy Hudgins | photographer: Jessica Rieke Photography | photographer: Towards The Moon

Choosing a centerpiece may feel overwhelming. Luckily, PartySlate can guide you through every step of the process. 

To begin with, it’s important to decide on the theme and style of your wedding. Similarly, you will want to select your wedding colors

Think about it: A boho-themed wedding is more likely to feature pastel-hued pampas grass or macrame lace than single-stem calla lilies on modern tablescapes. On the other hand, a lavish ballroom wedding will probably feature elegant candlelight or opulent floral centerpieces as opposed to rustic lantern décor and wildflowers.

Once you’ve settled on the style of your wedding, you’ll want to consider your wedding date. Flowers vary in availability from season to season. For couples looking to wow without flowers, check out A Wedding Without Flowers? 17 Stunning Ways to Make it Possible.

Now the fun part begins. Keep scrolling to find informative and inspiring articles on various wedding centerpieces. Here, you’ll find everything from seasonal tablescapes to centerpieces inspired by specific wedding styles.

Click on each article link to discover real wedding albums — along with the wedding florists and design teams that brought each event to life.

See something you like? Make sure to “heart” your favorite images and save them to an Idea Slate. You can then share your favorite ideas with your wedding planner and design team. 

1. Fall Wedding Centerpieces With Year-Round Appeal

Fall tablescape with foliage table runner, black velvet linen, ghost chairs, and backdrop of ivy and fall-hued florals on stone wall | PartySlate
photographer: Olivia Marshall

With striking foliage and romantic floral varieties, it’s easy to see why fall is the most popular wedding season. Our favorite fall wedding ideas start with curated centerpieces. Discover our favorite fall tablescape ideas for this bountiful season.

2. Winter Wedding Centerpieces That Will Make You Want an Off-Season Wedding

Cozy wedding venue with deep blue walls, purple uplighting, and winter wedding centerpieces of bare branches and delicate pink blooms | PartySlate
photographer: Sullivan & Sullivan Photography

If you live in the Midwest like us, winter is not the most popular time of year for wedding celebrations. Of course, daring the elements has its own reward. Wintertide weddings wow with their brilliant winter wedding color palettes, cozy (or dramatic) lighting opportunities, and dazzling winter wedding centerpieces. 

3. Fresh Ideas for Your Spring Wedding Centerpieces

Colorful Wedding With Pink and Orange Floral Centerpieces on Table | PartySlate
photographer: Sam Jasper Photography

Spring wedding centerpieces can turn your venue into a dreamy oasis. Go with vibrant or muted colors, and florals or fruits, for a tablescape ready for spring. New beginnings have never looked so beautiful.

4. Rustic Wedding Centerpieces to Inspire Your Designs

Rustic Wedding Tablescape With White Drapery and Overhanging Greenery | PartySlate
photographer: Tim Tab Studios

There’s a good reason why rustic-style weddings continue to be popular year after year. Learn how rustic wedding centerpieces can beckon guests to their seats in style. You’ll find everything from greenery garlands to bouquets of wildflowers.

5. Unique Wedding Centerpieces for the Creative at Heart

Funky Purple Lamp Centerpieces for Wedding Celebration at Cipriani 42nd Street | PartySlate
photographer: Brian Dorsey Studios

Looking for something unique that shows off your one-of-a-kind style and personality? Discover some of our favorite original centerpiece ideas. You’ll find feather crowns, floral-decked antlers, real-life treetops, and so much more.

6. Beach Wedding Centerpieces for a Celebration in Paradise

Free-Floating Pampas Grass Beach Wedding Centerpiece | PartySlate
photographer: Nancy Neil

Turn every wedding reception table into a little slice of paradise with beach wedding centerpieces. See how these gorgeous centerpieces can capture the spirit of your beach wedding — be it a destination celebration or a seaside party closer to home.

7. Orchid Wedding Centerpieces That Showcase Cascading Beauty

Wedding Reception With Orchid Garland Centerpiece, Gold Seating, and Blue Uplighting | PartySlate
photographer: LuvRox Photography

Orchid wedding centerpieces transform any setting into a romantic dreamscape. Learn how orchid floral décor can be incorporated into any wedding style — be it modern, classic, tropical, or more.

8. Hydrangea Wedding Centerpieces that Wow

Bride and Groom Sit at Sweetheart Table Laden With Purple Hydrangea Wedding Centerpieces and Candlelight Against a Starlit Backdrop | PartySlate
photographer: Nadia D. Photography

With their wide range of hues, hydrangea centerpieces complement any wedding color scheme or style. Learn how this versatile flower can set the scene for your stunning wedding celebration — be it in a city ballroom or tented garden space.

9. Rose Wedding Centerpieces that Inspire Romance

Ballroom Wedding With Waterfall Chandelier Woven with Red Roses and Red Rose Table Decorations | PartySlate
photographer: The Day Collective

Roses have always symbolized romance; and for good reason.  See how rose wedding centerpieces can turn your celebration into a modern fairytale. You’ll find everything from bright and cheerful yellow hues to bold and luxurious red blooms.

10. Candle Wedding Centerpieces That Gleam & Glow

Bride and Groom Share a Moment at White Wedding Tablescape and Suspended Globed Candlelight | PartySlate
photographer: Salwa Photography

Create a dreamy vibe with the help of candle centerpieces. Learn how candlelight can set the mood for an unforgettable night of romance. From colorful votive candles to suspended candlelit globes, we know all the ways to illuminate your celebration.

11. Gold Wedding Centerpiece Ideas that Gleam & Glisten

Wedding at The Newberry Library With Gold Candelabra Centerpieces Wrapped in Greenery | PartySlate
photographer: JPP Studios

Create a luxurious wedding aesthetic with gold centerpieces. Discover all of the unique ways that gold tablescape décor instantly elevates your celebration. You’ll discover everything from candelabras to geometric installations.

12. Greenery Centerpiece Ideas for a Lush Celebration

Reception Table With Lavish Greenery Wedding Centerpieces Cascading Off Table | PartySlate
photographer: Kate MCElwee Photo

Nature lovers know that greenery can wow as much as any bright flower. Think beyond traditional floral décor with lush greenery wedding centerpieces. See how greenery dazzles both in nature and the ballroom.

13. Glowing Lantern Centerpieces at Dreamy Weddings

Lantern Wedding Centerpiece with Spring Floral Mix | PartySlate
photographer: Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

Create a charming and enchanting vibe at your wedding celebration with the help of lantern centerpieces. Discover styles that range from modern to vintage — and everything in between.

14. Succulent Wedding Centerpieces to Impress Guests

Dessert-Themed Wedding With Intimate Wedding Reception Table Laden Succulent Wedding Centerpieces and Golden Candelabras | PartySlate
photographer: Elyse Hall Photography

Looking for table decorations that are both beautiful and original? Discover how succulent wedding centerpieces create an instant photo op at your celebration. You’ll soon be falling in love with cacti, agave, jade, and other dessert greenery.

15. Our Favorite Tropical Wedding Centerpieces [Beach Optional]

Bride and groom stand behind wooden table laden with tropical fruit in courtyard filled with tropical greenery | PartySlate
photographer: Reem Photography

From fabulous fronds to hot pink orchids, these centerpieces will transport you and your guests to your favorite tropical locale — with or without the beach.  Even a stately ballroom can turn into your own stretch of paradise with the help of the right tropical wedding centerpieces.

16. The Best Tall Wedding Centerpieces to Heighten the Mood

Gothic Black and White Glam Wedding at Howell and Dragon in Dallas , TX
photographer: Dyan Elizabeth Photography

Tall wedding centerpieces add beauty and drama to your wedding tablescapes. Make a first impression with towering centerpieces, organized by wedding style. From boho to modern, and everything in between, these tall centerpieces promise to bring the wow-factor to your reception.

17. 47 Elegant Wedding Centerpieces to Inspire Your Nuptials

Wedding at The Mandarin Oriental, NYC
photographer: Roey Yohai Studios

Elegant wedding centerpieces aren’t limited to a specific style. Whether you’re hosting a rustic reception, a grand ballroom soirée, or something in between — it’s easy to add elegance to your centerpieces with the right florals and thoughtful details.

People Also Ask…

Do You Need Centerpieces at a Wedding?

Three images of floral centerpieces on wedding tablescapes.
from top to bottom and left to right: photographer: Domino Arts Photography | photographer: David Sutta Photography | photographer: LuvRox Photography

While there is no right or wrong way to have a wedding reception, we highly recommend hiring a design and floral team to create gorgeous wedding centerpieces and table décor that capture the spirit, style, and theme of your wedding celebration.

As discussed above, decorating your wedding reception tables creates a beautiful dining experience for your guests. Centerpieces also connect to the larger celebration through similar décor and design motifs.

Additionally, wedding table decorations result in beautiful photographs. Most likely, you’ll want shots of each table group. Wedding centerpieces will transform an ordinary photo of people into a treasured (and gorgeous) keepsake.

Feeling overwhelmed? No need to worry. Use PartySlate’s curated directories to find talented and available vendors:

How Much Is a Centerpiece For a Wedding?

Four images of floral centerpieces on wedding tablescapes.
from top to bottom and left to right: photographer: Sand and Seas Studios | photographer: Rachel Red Photography | photographer: Twah Dougherty Photography | photographer: Stetten Wilson

The cost of your centerpieces will depend on a variety of factors, including (but not limited to) type and seasonality of selected flowers, the size of your arrangements, and the complexity of each design.

Your wedding design and floral team can help you find the right centerpieces for your wedding budget.

Should I DIY My Wedding Flowers?

Images of three grand floral centerpieces.
from left to right: photographer: Photo DH | photographer: Maya Myers Photography | photographer: Koby Brown

Think about it: Planning a wedding is a lot of work. You will want to savor every minute of your wedding day — without having to worry about the minute details or alterations.

With that in mind, we highly recommend hiring a wedding design and floral team to create your centerpieces.

After all, you don’t want to have to spend your wedding reception going from table to table, making sure that your centerpieces are still intact. Most likely, you’ll also want to spend those precious days before the wedding without experiencing the stress of creating fresh wedding table decorations.

Your wedding day will be one of the most important (and photographed) days of your life. While DIY is great for seasonal home decorations or fun craft projects, it’s not necessarily the best choice for an event as important as your wedding celebration.

Partyslate can help you find your dream wedding team. Go to our Vendor Directory and narrow down your search by location, event type, and services. Our top recommendations are always at the top of your search list.

With PartySlate, it has never been easier to make your wedding dreams (and ideal wedding centerpieces) come true.